A cherished local event — the Kootenay Fiddle, Guitar and Piano Camp — returns next month bringing prominent instructors to the region for three days.
Like many en masse gatherings, COVID cancelled this popular camp for three years. Since returning live in July 2023, organizers with the BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Association say engagement is still down.
So the fiddlers are asking for help in getting word out that registration is open now and until June 17.
The camp will run July 16, July 17, and July 18 at Selkirk College in Castlegar.
“It is three days of fun, fiddling, and friendship,” says Denise Chernoff, a volunteer from the Old Time Fiddlers. “We look forward to seeing lots of old familiar faces and many new ones this summer.”
Now in its 22nd year, the Kootenay Fiddle, Guitar and Piano Camp features renowned Canadian musicians including Gordon Stobbe, JJ Guy, Geoff Horrocks, and Janis Anderson.
The goal of the camp is to help novice to advanced musicians of all ages improve their fiddle, back-up guitar or piano, and to share a love of traditional music with new friends.
Organizers say the camp provides a great opportunity to get re-inspired and boost learning, or for those who have been wanting to try the fiddle, it’s the perfect time to start.
Co-sponsored by Selkirk College and BC Old Time Fiddlers #9, the camp will consist of three days of learning, daily jam sessions and evening activities.
To register, visit : www.selkirk.ca/fiddle-guitar-piano-camp.
For more information about the camp, visit: www.bcotf9kf.wordpress.com, call 250.365.3209, and see the Kootenay Fiddlers on Facebook.
The night of Thursday, July 18, Music in the Park will feature a performance by fiddle trio Gorde Stobbe, JJ Guy and the Lisa Nicole Band at Gyro Park, East Trail.
About the fiddlers
The BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Association promotes and encourages old-time music as a way to foster connections among fiddling communities across the country, and to encourage young people to take up fiddling and violin playing.
Members play all kinds of instruments or they may simply love the music and enjoying dancing.
The group is a nonprofit with members from all around the Kootenays. Members play at community events, private functions and care homes in the Castlegar, Trail and Nelson, and hold once-a-week jam sessions.
